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With my new studio space, I can now offer one-on-one sewing classes.  With several machines, patterns, and even fabric to choose from, you need only bring yourself and your goals.  Call today!
 
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What I have been up to

I have been pretty busy the last few months.  Unfortunately, I have not had much time for sewing!!

In December of 2008, my husband and I purchased a home in Fairfax, Virginia.  One of the deciding factors for our purchase was the enormous finished basement. Fully one half of this basement, over 800 square feet, is now dedicated to my sewing business.  I now have a dedicated office, a private bathroom/changing area, and a studio space large enough to teach in.

In January and February of 2009, I spent a lot of time researching the requirements for starting a business in Fairfax City, Virginia.  I planned to have dotted my "I"s and crossed my "T"s, for the first of April.  Shelves were installed, most of my fabric was organized, and tables were purchased. Nearly all of my machines (including my most recently acquired working antiques) were made ready to use.

In March of 2008, I repainted the bathroom, made new curtains, printed my business cards, got my paperwork together and looked at what I would need to do for the private entrance. I decided to wait on that until the rest of the back landscaping, unless the front door is out of the question.  Ready to move forward, I headed into the month of April.

 

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Latest Projects

I have been so busy sewing lately, that I have not taken the time to update my content.  As always, full pictures of my projects can be seen over at the Gallery.  However, here are a few teasers.

velvet doublet I made this velvet doublet, essentially on speculation.  However, I sold it within a couple of days, along with a request for matching pants.  The colors in this velvet are spectacular, but it was not easy to work with.  Because of this, I am in the market for a third sewing machine.  My preference would be a Juki industrial, but I will have to see what I can find.

The double laces in the front. It has an extra-long peplum that has been split in the back to enable the wearer to run, should he need to..  It also has detachable sleeves, held in place with lacing through silver buttons. The sleeves themselves lace closed, and are lined with black satin in the event the wearer wants to wear them open.

green doubletThis green doublet was an experiment.  My goal was to produce a quality, lined doublet, for under $5.00 in materials.  I apologize for the quality of the photo; all of my sewing models are female and this was definitely designed for a man.  I succeeded in my goal. 

I found a beautiful lined curtain panel at a second hand store for $1.99.  Using thread left over from another project, I added $0.50 worth of interfacing (again, left over from a previous project) , 22 grommets at $0.05 each ($1.10), and a spool of $1.00 ribbon for lacing purposes. Total for materials: $4.59. 

I also wanted to see how quickly I could put one together. After preparing the pattern (reusable) and fabric (washing and drying on hot to ensure the eventual owner could do the same), I spent just a hair over four hours constructing the final product.  It took me another hour to get it laced properly, but that was because choose a ribbon that was less than ideal.

Please visit my gallery to see what else I have been up to.

 
Corset Construction

You have your corset pattern.  You have your fabrics.  You have taken your measurements, and you are ready to begin.

Follow my tutorial for some basic steps and term explanations.  Green Brocade CorsetI will take you from the initial measurements, through the mock-up, and to the finished product.

 

 

 

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